MEMORANDUM

TO: José Manuel Barroso,
European Commission President Javier Solana, EU Foreign Policy Chief

FROM: Andrew Moravcsik and Kalypso Nicolaidis

RE: Bridging the Atlantic

The recent American charm offensive in Europe—capped by President George W. Bush’s visit in February and the subsequent agreement on a joint strategy for Iran—shows that there is some hope for warmer trans-Atlantic ties. Perhaps most important, the president conceded that the European Union (EU) is a major global partner by treating it as equal to NATO. Europeans still believe, however, that the United States could be more respectful and sophisticated in its relations with the EU. Certainly, the Bush administration must learn to listen as well as lead. But can you entirely fault the Americans? Constant electioneering by 25 national leaders speaking 20 languages, splits between “old” and “new” Europeans, and a constitution in limbo often make it hard for Americans to discern a clear European message. You have correctly proclaimed your commitment to raising Europe’s foreign-policy profile during the next five-year term of the European Commission. Changing attitudes in Washington will be an essential part of that task.

Europe is widely viewed in the United States as impotent, obstructionist, and—simultaneously—utopian and cynical. Americans instinctively understand military alliances and simple free trade agreements, such as NATO and NAFTA. They have no experience with Europe’s complex governance system. Americans pressure the EU to let Turkey into the club, but they would be astonished if Mexican President Vicente Fox asked the United States to “share” Supreme Court...